Transcriptome analysis of walnut cultivars with different susceptibility to Phytophthora pathogens

Juglans regia is praised for its high quality nuts, but is very susceptible to multiple pathogens and environmental stressors that reduce nut quality. In California, hybrids of J. microcarpa x J. regia are better adapted to local conditions and are commonly used as rootstocks. In this study we compared two cultivars, 'Chandler' (J. regia) and 'RX1' (J. microcarpa x J. regia), to highlight their intrinsic transcriptome differences in their basal state. The complete experimental design also includes samples challenged with Phytophthora capsici and P. pini, enabling investigations of non-host and innate immunity mechanisms as well as a deeper understanding of disease development mechanisms.